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302 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP78145) and 11 other sources
In the community of Waterford Township, Michigan, the silence left by the absence of 33-year-old Creg Lyles has been deeply felt since January 21, 2021. A man described by his mother as a 'social butterfly' and a cherished member of his family and community, Creg was known for his vibrant personality and his passion for music and theater. He served as the choir director for the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac and was an active participant in local theater. His last known communications were a Facebook post and some text messages on the evening of January 21, 2021, from the apartment he shared with his partner. After that, all contact abruptly ceased, an unusual and alarming occurrence for a man who was always in close touch with his loved ones.

Concern grew quickly among Creg's family and friends when they were unable to reach him the following day. It wasn't until January 26 that his family was able to gain access to his apartment, where they made a disturbing discovery. Creg's cell phone and glasses, two items his family insists he would never voluntarily leave behind, were found inside the residence. They also learned that his partner, Michael Tyler Butler, had been using Creg's car since the day he was last heard from. When questioned, Butler claimed to have no knowledge of Creg's whereabouts. The circumstances within the apartment were unsettling; while nothing seemed overtly out of place, there was little evidence to suggest Creg had even been living there. The apartment reportedly showed signs of a prior struggle.

The investigation into Creg Lyles's disappearance has been ongoing, with the Waterford Township Police Department treating the case as a homicide. Creg's boyfriend, who was the last known person to see him, has been identified as a person of interest. He was later arrested on an outstanding warrant for other issues and, while incarcerated for several months, refused to cooperate with investigators regarding Creg's disappearance. It was later revealed that he had failed a polygraph test administered by the police. Despite the suspicions surrounding him, there has not been enough evidence to file charges in connection with Creg's disappearance. The case remains unsolved, leaving a void in the lives of his family and friends who continue to search for answers and closure. A significant reward is being offered for any information that could lead to a breakthrough in the case.

Last Seen: Jan 21, 2021

Possible Unidentified Matches (2)

Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

80%Moderate
John Doe — Flint, Michigan
UP154340 • Found Sep 11, 2025
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 97%Est. 38–52 vs 33 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 94%31 mi away, same state
TimingFound 5 years after last seen
Height 100%5'4"–5'8" vs 5'4"–5'6"
75%Possible
John Doe — Highland Park, Michigan
UP95055 • Found May 17, 2022
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 60%Est. 18–100 vs 33 when missing
Race 100%Black
Location 96%24 mi away, same state
TimingFound 16 months after last seen
Height 100%5'5" vs 5'4"–5'6"
Weight 14%89 lb vs 170–190 lb
Hair 100%Black vs Black

These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.